Attacks and accusations greet incoming Reid at Celtic

John Reid suffered a baptism of fire at his inauguration as Celtic chairman yesterday when he was barracked as a "war criminal" from the floor at the Glasgow club's AGM.

There have been rumblings of discontent from the more radical elements of the Scottish champions' support since it was announced that Reid, a former home, defence and Northern Ireland secretary, would replace the outgoing Brian Quinn. A minority group of vocal fans have made it plain they feel Reid's role as a member of the Labour government, which played a key role in the invasion of Iraq in 2003, is at odds with the compassionate traditions of their club.

One shareholder told the Celtic board that Reid's appointment represented "a direct contradiction to the principles upon which the club was founded" and that the new chairman was "not fit for purpose".

Such sentiments were echoed by others, including Jeanette Findlay of the Celtic Supporters' Trust, who claimed Reid would be "forever identified with a political and human disaster" and that he was a "hate figure at home and abroad". Amid similar comments - one supporter said he had been visiting Celtic Park for 60 years but would not renew his season ticket on account of Reid's new role - and at least one call for order from Quinn, the new chairman issued a typically impressive and robust reply.

"This is the greatest honour of my life," said the MP for Airdrie and Shotts, who will leave parliament at the next general election. "Let me make one point clear: people have the right to their views on politics and religion, but they should leave them at the door of this football club. I have never been accused of walking away from any political debate or fight, but there are other forums to have that debate."

Confirmation of Reid's appointment was inevitable - he had gained 97.8% of the proxy votes from corporate and absent shareholders - but the sight of around 50 of the 400 supporters in attendance raising their hands against the motion to place him in office suggests tough times may be ahead for the new chairman.

The former cabinet minister highlighted his role in dealing with problems in Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Sierra Leone in attempting to pacify concerned supporters. Quinn had earlier dismissed accusations that Reid was a war criminal as "ludicrous", adding that Reid's political views were "no business of mine or the rest of the board".

The day's warmest applause, aside from the standing ovation for the departing Quinn, was reserved for the Celtic manager, Gordon Strachan, who has delivered successive Premier League titles.

Graham Paddon, who won the FA Cup with West Ham in 1975 and also played for Norwich, Coventry and Millwall, died yesterday at his Norfolk home at the age of 57. The midfielder is best remembered for his time with the Canaries, for whom he played 340 games in two spells between 1969 and 1981, scoring 37 goals. Paddon also spent time in the United States with the Tampa Bay Rowdies .

"He was a terrific player and a member of the team that won promotion to the First Division for the first time," said his former Norwich team-mate Dave Stringer.

Liverpool's manager, Rafael Benítez, has said the Premier League is his main target this season, in line with the demands of the club's co-owner Tom Hicks. "The priority for this season is the Premier League and we're in a better position to do that this season than before," he said. Liverpool are fifth, six points behind the leaders, Arsenal.